Chapter 583: Nascent Soul True Person

Several days passed.

Near the Five Elements Mountains, atop a hidden and unremarkable peak, a rugged, dark corridor led deep into the mountain's core.

Luo Chen and Luo Xi were now walking inside, their expressions tense beyond measure.

An incense stick later.

The scene before their eyes suddenly opened up, revealing a vast artificial cavern, its center a black stone plaza spanning several mu.

These black stones emitted a faint mystic glow, seemingly capable of blocking all spiritual sense probes.

Moreover, countless spiritual runes were intricately engraved upon the stones, interconnected to form a profound banishing array that enveloped the entire space.

It had almost completely severed this place from the outside world, leaving not the faintest trace of anomaly.

Upon a woven grass mat at the plaza's center sat a pale-faced youth in a blue robe, his appearance refined and delicate—yet not a single trace of magic power could be sensed. Strangely—

Yet, in some intangible way, he radiated an immense sense of oppression.

Luo Chen and Luo Xi halted several paces before the blue-robed youth, daring not to breathe.

Even Luo Xi, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, stood before him, trembling with nervousness.

After a long while, the blue-robed youth opened his ink-black eyes, as if piercing through all things.

He spoke to the two in a calm tone: "How went the matter?"

His voice, ethereal and pure, echoed throughout the chamber.

Luo Chen hurried forward, bowing deeply before the blue-robed youth before replying: "My Lord Supreme Elder, the Nine Yang Soul-Continuing Elixir is exceedingly difficult to obtain."

The only source is in the hands of Manager Lu of the Mirror Snow Pavilion in the Five Elements Market; across the entire Great Jin, there are barely a handful of Grand Artisans capable of refining this elixir.

Yet that Manager Lu demanded a fourth-rank spiritual material before he would ask Su Yuqing to refine the elixir for us.

As he spoke, he cautiously glanced at the blue-robed youth, observing his reaction.

The youth before them was none other than the Nascent Soul True Person of the Great Zhou's Xuanqing Monastery—Han Ya Shangren.

"Continue," the blue-robed youth said, his expression utterly devoid of emotion.

Seeing his lord showed no anger, Luo Chen exhaled in relief: "Besides this, recently, while gathering spiritual materials, my brother Luo and I received good news: the Wanda Trading Alliance in the Five Elements Market will auction a fragment of Star Sea Divine Vine in half a month."

"Star Sea Divine Vine?" For the first time, the blue-robed youth's impassive face showed a flicker of interest.

Seeing his ancestor stirred, Luo Chen pressed on: "Supreme Elder, if we cannot obtain the Nine Yang Soul-Continuing Elixir, might we not instead bid on the Star Sea Divine Vine and bring it to you?"

As his words faded—

A flash of sharp light gleamed in Han Ya Shangren's eyes.

Then he suddenly sneered: "These blood-refining devil sect brats truly spare no tactic."

"They're willing to use the Star Sea Divine Vine as bait."

"Think they can lure this ancestor into their trap with such a petty scheme?"

Hearing this, Luo Chen and Luo Xi froze in shock. "Supreme Elder, are you saying…?" Luo Chen's composure cracked.

"Precisely. The Five Divine Trees of the cultivation world are not so easily seized. Behind this, nine times out of ten, it's the two devil sect Crown Princes, aware that my spiritual soul is wounded, setting a trap to lure me out."

The blue-robed youth's eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a glint of chilling malice.

Upon hearing this, Luo Chen and Luo Xi shuddered with dread.

They dared not act on their own, awaiting Han Ya Shangren's next command.

Silence settled over the chamber.

After a long while—

Han Ya Shangren spoke, tinged with bitterness:

"I never expected that devil sect Crown Princess wielded a high-rank demonic magic treasure; her Ice Soul Demon Light technique is beyond comprehension—it can suppress and freeze a cultivator's Nascent Soul spiritual essence."

"That's how I was caught off guard and fell into their trap."

"Had I not swiftly found a suitable new body for possession, Xuanqing Monastery's millennia-long foundation would have been utterly destroyed."

"The poison of the Demon Light continues to corrode my Nascent Soul spiritual essence—I must resolve this swiftly."

"Once my spiritual soul is fully repaired, I can swiftly reclaim my Nascent Soul realm, then recall my disciples to retake our mountain gate and rise again!"

"Heh! Fortunately, I kept a backup plan—I moved my core disciples away in advance, and the sect's foundational treasures remain in my possession."

"The losses on the periphery? Trivial. Let them go."

Upon hearing this, Luo Chen and Luo Xi were left speechless.

Indeed, Nascent Soul elders who had lived for over a thousand years were never easy to deal with—deeply scheming, growing more cunning with age. Han Ya Shangren's reputation across the Three Cultivation Realms was abysmal; for a Nascent Soul True Person to sink to this level, there was no precedent.

He could well be called the epitome of enduring humiliation to survive.

Yet Luo Chen and Luo Xi dared not show even the slightest hint of their thoughts before Han Ya Shangren.

"Very well. We've finally found a hiding place."

The Blood-Refining Devil Sect wants to lure me out—let us turn their scheme against them. You two will pretend to participate in the auction, then secretly contact Manager Lu to obtain the Nine Yang Soul-Continuing Elixir as soon as possible.

"The sooner, the better."

"As for the fourth-rank spiritual material he demands—grant it to him."

"As long as I regain my Nascent Soul realm, paying a higher price is worth it."

In mere moments, Han Ya Shangren had made his decision.

"We humbly obey the Supreme Elder's command!"

Luo Chen and Luo Xi bowed deeply in response.

Then they left the cavern to carry out their orders.

…

Half a month later.

Within the Five Elements Market, the Wanda Trading Alliance's auction proceeded as scheduled at the Wufu Auction Hall.

The appearance of the Star Sea Divine Vine—a divine tree of the cultivation world—drew a flood of cultivators from across the land to witness the event.

The Dao-Preserving Alliance had reinforced its personnel and tightened security in the market, scrutinizing the identities of all entering cultivators with extreme care.

Especially devil sect cultivators—none could slip in.

Unlike before, only orthodox sects had been invited.

Now that the Great Jin had formed the Dao-Preserving Alliance, its hostility toward the devil sects of the Great Li was irreconcilable.

Qin Ming naturally kept watch over this auction.

After all, if there was a chance, he still wished to obtain the Star Sea Divine Vine.

Yet now, a shadow of conspiracy loomed—he could only observe for the time being.

Though devil sect cultivators could not enter the Five Elements Market, they might well have planted moles inside—or lie in wait just outside.

Waiting for some unlucky fool to bid on the Star Sea Divine Vine, then ambush and soul-search him.

As for the auction, Qin Ming had already sent Hua Tianxiong to monitor it.

With Hua Tianxiong watching, he need not trouble himself.

Meanwhile, Qin Ming sat calmly at the Mirror Snow Pavilion's branch.

The auction raged on.

At the same time—

Luo Chen arrived alone at the Mirror Snow Pavilion.

After stating his purpose, Lao Jia asked him to wait, then ascended to the fourth floor to consult Qin Ming.

"Master Lu, a cultivator named Luo claims he previously spoke with you and wishes to meet you."

"Shall I let him in—or send him away?"

"If not, I'll dismiss him downstairs."

Qin Ming set down his teacup and smiled faintly: "The Luo family, after all this circling, finally found me."

"Lao Jia, bring him up."

"Yes, Master Lu."

Moments later—

Lao Jia led the handsome and elegant Luo Chen into the fourth-floor private chamber.

"Master, Luo Young Master has arrived. I'll take my leave," Lao Jia said, bowing respectfully before withdrawing.

Luo Chen raised a hand to his mouth and feigned a weak cough, greeting Qin Ming: "Cough! Cough! Master Lu, we meet again."

He forced a strained smile.

Qin Ming, however, remained seated calmly, making no move to rise.

He sipped his tea, eyes lowered: "Enough, Luo Daofriend. If you wish to negotiate, why hide behind pretenses? Why not show your true face?"

"If you have sincerity, why feign injury—and disguise your appearance?"

CRACK! At these words—

Luo Chen's smile froze. He stared, disbelief gripping him.

He could not fathom how his identity had been exposed—he wore a disguise artifact granted by his Supreme Elder, yet this man had pierced through it.

"If you persist like this, Master Lu will not see you out," Qin Ming said coolly.

"Then I shall consult my superior."

Luo Chen stepped outside, drew a long-range voice talisman, and secretly contacted someone.

Qin Ming knew the person Luo Chen was urgently contacting was likely the true master behind him.

Soon—

Luo Chen returned before Qin Ming, then formed a hand seal and removed his disguise.

He revealed his true appearance: a young cultivator even more handsome than before, at the late Foundation Establishment realm.

Qin Ming nodded.

The other was young, yet had reached such a realm—his spiritual root must be exceptional.

"Mr. Lu, let us renew our acquaintance. I am Bai Yuhan, a true disciple of the Xuanqing Monastery of the Great Zhou."

"I harbor no ill will toward your pavilion; I merely had to exercise caution due to certain circumstances. I hope you will forgive me."

Bai Yuhan bowed to Qin Ming—after all, he was seeking his help, so he adopted an extremely courteous posture.

He also abandoned his earlier underestimation of this Mr. Lu.

He had not expected the other to be so concealed.

One who could see through his disguise so easily could not be an ordinary person.

At the very least, he had held back.

After hearing Bai Yuhan's introduction, Qin Ming was also taken aback. He rose and invited Bai Yuhan to sit, poured him spiritual tea, then spoke directly.

"Young Master Bai, have you come regarding the Nine Yang Soul-Continuing Elixir?"

"Haha! Mr. Lu, your insight is sharp—I have come precisely for this matter."

"Mr. Lu, earlier you said you would trade four-tier spiritual materials for one session of Su Danshi's elixir-making. Is that offer still valid?" Bai Yuhan asked.

Qin Ming smiled mysteriously and shook his head.

Seeing this, Bai Yuhan's face darkened slightly. "What does Mr. Lu mean? I've shown my sincerity—why are you teasing me?"

"Haha! Young Master Bai, don't misunderstand." Qin Ming spoke, then immediately produced a delicate jade vial and placed it before the other.

Bai Yuhan was baffled, then opened the vial—and a powerful, rich medicinal fragrance surged forth.

Immediately, a radiant five-colored aura shot from within, revealing a single elixir swirling with spiritual essence.

"This—this—"

Bai Yuhan froze in place, stammering uncertainly.

"Correct. This elixir is the Nine Yang Soul-Continuing Elixir."

"Isn't this precisely what you sought?"

"Long ago, I commissioned Su Danshi to brew this elixir, originally intending to auction it at the auction."

"But since you seek it, I have kept it."

"Haha!"

Qin Ming gazed at the other with a pleasant smile.

Bai Yuhan examined it for a long time, finally confirming: this was indeed the elixir the Cold Crow Ancestor required.

At this moment, Bai Yuhan understood—Mr. Lu had him cornered.

Otherwise, he would not have produced the genuine Nine Yang Soul-Continuing Elixir outright.

For a moment,

Bai Yuhan felt both joy and worry: joy that he had finally found the elixir he had long sought;

worry that Mr. Lu had produced the finished elixir—his demands must be substantial.

He closed the jade vial, placed it carefully back on the table, and asked Qin Ming:

"What four-tier spiritual material does Mr. Lu require in exchange for this Nine Yang Soul-Continuing Elixir?"

At this moment, Qin Ming could easily guess who the elixir was for.

Almost certainly, it was to heal the spiritual soul of someone of great importance within the Xuanqing Monastery.

He cleared his throat and probed: "I wish to exchange for a Five Elements Spiritual Ginseng."

"What?!"

Even Bai Yuhan, as a true disciple of Xuanqing Monastery, could not maintain his composure.

"Mr. Lu, your demand is too extreme!"

"If it were an ordinary four-tier material, fine—but the Five Elements Spiritual Ginseng is a mid-tier four-tier herb, and extremely rare," Bai Yuhan could not help saying.

Qin Ming knew Xuanqing Monastery was a Nascent Soul sect—surely they possessed such strategic-grade herbs.

If he missed this chance, he might never get another.

Now was the time to ask. "I will accept nothing but the Five Elements Spiritual Ginseng."

Bai Yuhan was helpless. He clenched his teeth and said:

"Then, Mr. Lu, please wait a moment—I must consult my superiors."

He then walked into the adjacent room, retrieved a long-distance voice talisman, and quietly communicated.

Half a stick of incense passed.

Bai Yuhan returned to Qin Ming's room, forcing a smile. "Mr. Lu, thank you for your patience. Since you have the finished Nine Yang Soul-Continuing Elixir—"

"To be honest, our sect does possess the Five Elements Spiritual Ginseng."

"But this herb, as you surely know, is extraordinarily precious—it is not on my person."

"Nor do I have authority over it."

"My superiors have instructed me to convey to you: the matter is of great importance. They wish to meet you in person to conduct the transaction."

Qin Ming paused, then asked: "May I ask who your superiors are…?"

"You will know when you arrive. I cannot say now."

Bai Yuhan smiled, sensing Qin Ming's hesitation, and added:

"Mr. Lu, rest assured—no deal, no ill will."

"Our Xuanqing Monastery is a respected orthodox sect in the Great Zhou—we would never harm you."

Qin Ming had not expected such a demand.

But upon reflection, since he himself had made such an outrageous offer, the other's caution seemed reasonable.

Considering that now, except for Nascent Soul True Persons, he feared no one.

Moreover, he was curious to see what Bai Yuhan was hiding.

So he nodded in agreement.

Bai Yuhan's face lit up with joy. "Then, Mr. Lu, let us go now—please follow me."

The two immediately left the marketplace.

On the way, Qin Ming asked curiously: "Young Master Bai, isn't the Star Sea Divine Vine currently being auctioned at the Wufu Auction?"

"That item also has immense power in restoring the spiritual soul."

"Why must you insist on my Nine Yang Soul-Continuing Elixir?"

Inside the flying vessel, Bai Yuhan looked at Qin Ming with deep meaning. "Mr. Lu, you know full well—what is the Star Sea Divine Vine? It is not easily won."

"It is clearly targeted at our Xuanqing Monastery."

"We would never fall for such a trap."

Qin Ming smirked. Clearly, the Xuanqing Monastery's people were not fools—someone cunning must be guiding them behind the scenes.

Someone as naive as Bai Yuhan could never have made such a judgment.

The two flew for over two hours, arriving at a secluded mountain peak.

Bai Yuhan produced a token and activated the mechanism set upon the peak.

He then led Qin Ming through a cave, descending deep into the mountain's interior to a cavernous plaza.

But when Qin Ming saw the young man in blue robes seated upon the black stone plaza, his pupils shrank sharply.

His entire body tensed instantly.

"Nascent Soul True Person!"

……

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(End of chapter)